Fontana, California isn't synonymous with summer fun like many other destinations in the state. Even in terms of race track destinations, Fontana has yet to eclipse the name recognition of it's defunct neighbor, the markedly larger Ontario Speedway, which was shut down ignominiously in 1980. In fact, until 1983, the sight on which the California Speedway lies was occupied by the Kaiser Steel mill, which, among other things, made prefab steel hulls for Liberty ships during World War II. (Fontana was deemed far enough inland to avoid naval bombardment from the Japanese navy. Now all the steel mills are in Japan. Don't get us started...)

But steel is still very much in Fontana's life (if not its commerce), and at the California Speedway in particular. Spectacular events featuring America's best iron--such as the California Classic held this past September 6 and 7--are exactly why Fontana may yet become a premier destination. Wally World watch out!

The California Classic was a dandy of a car show, but there were also plenty of manufacturers set up in the midway, plus lots of live entertainment throughout the weekend. We found beautiful women in droves (okay, and their boyfriends), tons of new and used car parts, cars for sale, extreme motorcross exhibitions, ride-alongs in real stock cars, even a helicopter and an M1A1 main battle tank provided by the US Marines. Yours truly grabbed up the family, loaded up the Camaro truckster, and grabbed a few 2-for-1 Taco Bell admission coupons and headed out to "Fontucky," as the locals call it. We had a great time. Check out the photo album and see for yourself!